Lead Project Engineer

Ports North; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 165,312 - 179,088; Part time

Job summary

Ports North is seeking a Lead Engineer to scale a greenfield data security platform in Houston. This senior/lead role entails leading technical projects, architecting secure solutions, and mentoring a small team.

The ideal candidate has significant full stack experience, especially in backend development, and expertise in data security. Candidates should be prepared for an onsite, contract position with a competitive rate of $120-$130/hour.

Qualifications

• Senior/Lead level full stack experience with strong backend focus.
• Proven experience building systems from scratch in greenfield environments.
• Hands-on experience with React and modern Node.js frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a greenfield data security platform.
• Architect and implement server-side encryption solutions.
• Mentor and guide a small team.

Skills

Full stack experience

Backend focus

Data security

Secure API development

React

Node.js (NestJS)

Job description

Lead Engineer (Data Security Platform)

Interim/Contract | Senior/Lead Level | Onsite Houston

Reason for Opening & Position Overview

We are seeking a Lead Full Stack Engineer to serve as a right hand partner to engineering leadership in building and scaling a greenfield data security platform from scratch. This is a high impact/ high visibility build.

What You'll Do

• Lead the development of a greenfield data security platform
• Architect and implement server-side encryption and secure data storage solutions
• Build and maintain secure APIs for data transmission and system integration
• Own authentication, authorization, and access control frameworks
• Design and manage encryption key and access key strategies
• Ensure end-to-end data protection across systems and workflows
• Partner with leadership to drive technical direction and execution
• Mentor and guide a small team

Must-Have Qualifications

• Senior/Lead level full stack experience with a strong backend focus
• Hands on experience with:
  • React (frontend)
  • Modern Node.js frameworks such as NestJS (preferred), or similar frameworks like AdonisJS
  • Experience with Next.js (especially for full stack or API driven applications) is also highly relevant
• Proven experience building systems from scratch (greenfield environments)
• Experience leading technical projects and owning architecture decisions
• Strong background in data security and encryption, including:
  • Server side encryption
  • Secure data storage and transmission
  • Authentication and authorization
• Experience working with:
  • Secure APIs
  • Encryption keys and access key management
  • End to end encryption models
• Deep understanding of protecting sensitive data in distributed systems

Nice to Have

• Experience in highly regulated or asset intensive industries (e.g., energy, industrial, or similar environments)
• Experience building enterprise scale security or data platforms

Team & Environment

• Collaborative engineering team of ~18 developers
• Lean structure with high ownership and autonomy
• Opportunity to own and shape a greenfield platform from inception through scale

Compensation

• Target rate: $120-$130/hour (W2/contract)

What Success Looks Like

• A secure, scalable platform successfully built from the ground up
• Strong encryption and key management practices embedded across systems
• Reliable, secure APIs enabling safe data exchange
• Clear technical leadership and execution across a focused team